Spirits Rising

Running time: N/A

Blending legend, myth, and modern news footage, Ramona S. Diaz documents a powerful and touching story of women's struggles in the Philippines with Spirits Rising. More than simply a Filipina history, Diaz juxtaposes tales of heroines, past and present, showing the integral role women have played toward independence for "Las Islas Filipinas." Beginning with the shocking assassination of Benigno Aquino on August 21, 1983, Spirits Rising chronicles, with news footage and personal interviews, Corazon Aquino's rise to power and Ferdinand Marcos' fall from grace. Founding members of The Alliance of Women for Action Toward Reform describe the commitment of Filipinas to end the 20-year rule of Marcos, how peaceful rallies turned into violent protests, and how calls for free elections led to the end of nearly 10 years of martial law. Balancing the story of the Philippines' struggle for freedom, Diaz reminds us that the struggle is not new. Indeed, it began in 1521 when Spanish conquistadors first landed on this group of islands in the south China Sea. Listen for the readings from Spanish documents of the time. The irony is palpable as they describe the "immoral" Filipinas--women so captivating that, in family arguments, their husbands sided with their wives rather than their parents. Diaz also does a splendid job of reminding us that history repeats itself, as she relates the story of Gabriela Silang, who in 1762, assumed her assassinated husband's position of general of the rebel forces fighting Spanish oppressors. The dissolve to Corazon Aquino is powerful. Spirits Rising is an excellent introduction to the struggles and accomplishments of Filipinas. -- Jeffrey Vargas